Justin Gaethje has never been a man who runs from uncomfortable truths, and his latest comments confirm that the last-second knockout loss to Max Holloway at UFC 300 and losing the BMF strap still sat with him longer than most people realised.
What changed everything was what he did to Ilia Topuria at UFC Freedom 250.
Justin Gaethje Found Closure Through Ilia Topuria’s Broken Face
Walking into the White House South Lawn as a significant underdog against the pound-for-pound number two fighter in the world, Justin Gaethje systematically dismantled Ilia Topuria over four rounds, swelling both eyes completely shut, breaking two orbital bones, and his nose before the corner threw in the towel.
The man nobody gave a realistic chance against an undefeated two-division champion looked like the more polished fighter from the opening bell on June 14. ‘The Highlight’ was direct about what that victory meant beyond the belt. He recently told Jim Rome:
“Max definitely knocked me out, but I feel like I got the win back with the Ilia Topuria fight. As I’ve stated hundreds of times publicly, I would love to punch Conor McGregor in the face.”
Conor McGregor Is the Fight Justin Gaethje Wants
Justin Gaethje has been consistent about wanting Conor McGregor, and with McGregor fighting Max Holloway at UFC 329 on July 11, the timing of this statement is deliberate.
The lightweight division sits at a fascinating crossroads. Gaethje holds the belt, Holloway has history with both men in this equation, and McGregor’s return next month adds another variable entirely. The dominoes are in position.
If ‘The Notorious’ wins at UFC 329, he wants Gaethje or the two-division champion and current welterweight titleholder Islam Makhachev next.
McGregor is coming back with championship ambitions. If he beats ‘Blessed, after that the Irishman would look to reclaim the lightweight title or set his eyes on a third belt, which would mean fighting Makhachev, provided the Russian fighter stops challenger Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330.
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